Degree Description - Electrical Engineering

Overview

Electrical engineering technology is the field that implements and applies principles of electrical engineering. With a greater focus on application and implementation, electrical engineering technologists help design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as communication equipment, radar and industrial systems, medical monitoring equipment, control devices, and computer technology. As the largest branch of engineering technology, it includes a diverse range of disciplines including electronics, embedded systems, control systems, instrumentation, telecommunications, and power systems.

The BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology at UW-Green Bay is a professional program that prepares students for careers in electrical engineering technology with the technical and managerial skills necessary to enter careers in the design application, installation, manufacturing, operation, and maintenance of electrical systems. Students specialize in product improvement, manufacturing, construction, and operational engineering functions. The focus of the program is the application of engineering principles to the solution of practical problems. Students will develop skills in hands on application labs and courses that explore the fundamentals of electronics, mathematics, physics, computers, and control systems. Teamwork, technical writing, and project management are also emphasized throughout the curriculum. The goal of the major is to develop well rounded engineering technologists that can adapt and succeed in a highly competitive workplace.

Students will benefit from relationships with local technical colleges, UW two year campuses, and local industry to complete a BS in engineering technology in the Fox Valley and Green Bay area. Students may start earning their degree at UW-Green Bay, one of the UW System two year colleges, or local technical colleges to give maximum flexibility in degree completion. In addition, the Northeast Wisconsin Educational Resource Alliance, NEW ERA, has established advisory boards linking leaders in regional industry and participating institutions to the major. Through these relationships students will have many opportunities for internships, co-op experiences, and employment after graduation.

Career Outlook

Electrical engineering technology graduates have strong employment potential with demand forecasted to increase by an annual increase of almost 3 percent. Over 14,000 new jobs are expected by 2018.

Engineering Technology vs Engineering

Engineering and engineering technology are separate, but closely related professional areas. In general, the work of engineering technologists focuses on applied and practical applications, while the work of engineers emphasizes theoretical aspects of mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles. Technologists often work with engineers by applying basic engineering principles and technical skills. To prepare students for careers, engineering programs focus more on theory and conceptual design, while engineering technology programs focus on application and implementation. Engineering technology programs usually require fewer mathematics courses and more hands-on laboratory and applications based experiences

Continuing education

With work experience, graduates with a BS in electrical engineering technology often move to supervisory positions. They also may obtain certification at several levels through the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies, NICET. Graduates may also pursue graduate studies in electrical engineering.